LAPEER — Since taking over as chief of Lapeer County Animal Control, Rachel Horton has been implementing changes to make the department more efficient, communicate better with other law enforcement agencies, and create ways to increase compliance by making dog licenses easier to obtain. As we progress through 2023, Horton has plans to continue that trajectory.
One of the changes for Animal Control is the implementation of new PetHub “smart tags” to replace the old dog licenses. The new tags feature a QR code that can be scanned by a smart phone, immediately bringing up information about how to reach the dog’s owners, allowing missing animals to be reunited with their owners much more quickly, and eliminating the issues with the old stamped-metal tags becoming too worn to be readable. The tags can be registered on the PetHub website for free, and dog owners get to choose how much information they are comfortable with sharing.
Also this month, Animal Control has launched a new online licensing system to make purchasing a license easier than ever.
“The application can be completed in less than 10 minutes and is so much more user friendly than our old system,” said Horton. “The link is available on our Google page and Facebook page. Just Click ‘Dog License Application,’ enter a picture of your rabies certificate, and pay with a credit card. Tags will be mailed to you.”
At the end of the month, all Animal Control officers will begin training on the same CLEMIS software used by the Sheriff’s Department, and once all officers are trained, they will begin using the software. The second phase of this project will put computers with CLEMIS software and printers in the department’s vehicles, increasing the efficiency of the offers so they can accomplish more. It will also enhance communication between Animal Control, Lapeer County Central Dispatch, and other law enforcement agencies throughout the county. In addition, Horton said, the implementation of the new software will enable increased canvassing efforts to raise the compliance rate for licensed dogs in the county.
“We are currently working with a software developer to create a program that will track adoptions and license sales,” said Horton. “Once the first phase of this program is implemented successfully in the Animal Control office, a second phase will include expanding the software to veterinary clinics. Ultimately, I hope that by the end of 2023 we are offering dog licenses at the offices of local veterinarians. When animal owners visit the veterinary office for rabies vaccinations, they can purchase dog licenses at the same time.”
Lapeer County Animal Control spays/neuters, vaccinates, and provides necessary medical care to 90% or more of their total intakes before they are available for adoption. If you would like to donate directly to the medical fund, send checks to 2396 W. Genesee St. Lapeer, MI 48446, or visit www.jotform.com/build/222724923563054?iak=450ae- 8057865a07c822c5f247b6778ca-b45e-5d95555a7932 to make a donation online.